There are many professions to choose from after you graduate from high school or college. How do you know which is for you? Well, if you have been kicking around the idea of becoming a teacher, know that there are many rewards that come with this challenging field.

Impact the future of our children. Teachers have the opportunity to positively affect the intellectual, emotional, and social development of their students. Whether a child is underprivileged, ignored, challenged, or special in any way, a teacher can help them receive the education they need to better themselves for the future. As a teacher, you can literally change someone’s life.

Challenge yourself! Nowadays, teaching is much more than standing in front of a classroom simply reciting a boring lecture every day. Children enjoy being stimulated. And every child is stimulated differently. Therefore, reaching each and every child will not be easy. But you are up for that challenge, right?

Job security is a certainty. Many areas, especially the inner cities, are in desperate need of good teachers who care about their students. Plus, teaching is not a dead-end job. Advancement within a school system is always a possibility. Teachers can become principals, department heads, administrators, etc. The ladder of job advancement is sky high!

Teach what you love. There are not many jobs out there that give you the opportunity to truly invest yourself fully in your interests. For example, if you love art, you can teach painting to fifth graders. If you are a math wiz, you can teach calculus to high school students.

Enjoy the chance to spend time with your family. If you become a teacher, you will most likely share the same schedule as your own kids. Sure, you may have to bring papers home to grade, but you will be at home with your family, and that is what truly counts.

Every year is different! Every year your students change. That means every year; you have a new set of individual personalities ready to be challenged. Doesn’t that beat a typical desk job where your daily tasks remain the same? When you care about the education of your students, teaching will never become boring.

You have your summers off! Although this may not be the most unselfish reason to become a teacher, you have to admit, it’s a plus! Most teachers have a couple months off in the summer to vacation, take on another job, or simply relax.